Watch having a multiplicity of band attachment positions and wristband for use therewith

Abstract

Rather than having only two diametrically opposed band attachment points on a watch case and a single strap watchband, a watch has multiple attachment points at opposite edges of its watch case, and a watchband with multiple branches for fastening to the watch case's multiple attachment points. These branches may be straps fabricated of materials such as fabric, leather, metal or flexible plastics, and buckles and other appropriate fastening devices are integral with the strap. The multiple branch band also may be a continuously expandable linkage structure which attaches to the case, and which expands over the hand and then contracts to comfortably hold the watch on the wrist, or a metallic band having a central clasp for securing the watch to the wrist. A multiple band watchband for attachment to two opposing edges of a watch case is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch comprising a case, said case further comprising multiple points of attachment along a contour of said case, whereby a watchband comprising a number of separate branches equal to the number of said multiple points is attachable to said case, wherein at least one of said multiple points of attachment is located at a first position of said contour of said case, and at least two of said multiple points of attachment are located at a second position of said contour of said case, said second position being located substantially opposite said first position, and further wherein the number of said points of attachment located at said first position is unequal to the number of said points of attachment located at said second position. 
     
     
       2. The watch of claim 1 wherein said points of attachment further comprise: a) bracket means attached to said case, and   b) spring loaded pin means for insertion into said bracket means, whereby said spring loaded pin means secures said watchband to said case.   
     
     
       3. The watch of claim 1 wherein said points of attachment further comprise: a) at least one axle attached to said case,   b) multiple shoulders on said at least one axle whereby said branches of said watchband may be positioned on said axle against said shoulders to effect connection to said case.   
     
     
       4. A watchband comprising: a) a multiplicity of bands, said bands each having first and second ends,   b) at least one band of said multiplicity of bands adapted for connection of said first ends to a first location of the case of an associated watch, and   c) at least two additional bands of said multiplicity of bands adapted for connection of said first ends to a second location of said case of said associated watch.   
     
     
       5. The watchband of claim 4 wherein said first of at least one band includes means for latching for connection of said second ends of said of at least one band to said second ends of said at least two additional bands. 
     
     
       6. The watchband of claim 4 wherein said bands comprise metallic elements interconnected by spring means wherein said watchband is longitudinally expandable and retractable. 
     
     
       7. The watchband of claim 4 wherein said bands comprise interconnected metallic elements, and further wherein said second ends are attached to at least one central clasp whereby by closing said at least one clasp said watchband may serve as the watchband of a wristwatch. 
     
     
       8. The watchband of claim 5 wherein said means for latching comprises buckles located at said second ends of said at least one band, and tongues for mating with said buckles at said second ends of said of at least two additional bands. 
     
     
       9. The watchband of claim 5 wherein said means for latching comprises buckles positioned on an axle located at said second ends of said at least one band, and tongues for mating with said buckles at said second ends of said at least two additional bands. 
     
     
       10. The watchband of claim 4 wherein said bands are fabric. 
     
     
       11. The watchband of claim 4 wherein said bands are flexible plastic. 
     
     
       12. The watchband of claim 5 wherein said means of latching are mating VELCRO sections attached to said bands. 
     
     
       13. A wristwatch comprising: a) a case,   b) said case having at least one attachment point located at a first location on the contour of said case,   c) said case further having at least two attachment points located at a second location on said contour of said case, said second location being substantially opposite said first location, wherein the number of said attachment points at said first location is unequal to the number of attachment points at said second location,   d) a watchband comprising a plurality of bands, said bands having first and second ends,   e) said plurality of bands comprising at least one band having said first end attached to said at least one attachment point,   f) said plurality of bands further comprising at least two bands having said first ends attached to said at least two attachment points, and   g) latching means for mutually securing said second ends of said plurality of bands.   
     
     
       14. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said latching means includes means for latching said second ends of said at least one band to said second ends of said plurality of bands attached to said at least two attachment points. 
     
     
       15. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said means for latching said second ends comprises buckles located at said second ends of said at least one band and tongues for mating with said buckles at said second ends of said plurality of bands attached to said least two attachment points. 
     
     
       16. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said means for latching comprises buckles positioned on an axle located at said second ends of said at least one band, and tongues for mating with said buckles at said second ends of said at least two bands. 
     
     
       17. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said bands comprise metallic elements interconnected by spring means wherein said watchband is longitudinally expandable and retractable. 
     
     
       18. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said bands comprise interconnected metallic elements, and further wherein said second ends are attached to at least one central clasp whereby by closing said at least one clasp said watchband may serve as the watchband of a wristwatch. 
     
     
       19. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said bands are fabric. 
     
     
       20. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said bands are flexible plastic. 
     
     
       21. The wristwatch of claim 13 wherein said means of latching are mating VELCRO sections attached to said bands.